What's New in the World of Jewelry?

Earrings, bracelets and rings were the rage at the CMAs

On November 5, the 48th Country Music Association Awards took place in Nashville, Tenn. and country music’s brightest stars shone even brighter thanks to their jewelry. At this year’s CMA Awards, earrings, bracelets and rings were popular, with a number of stars wearing asymmetrical earrings. Diamond and gold jewelry were also seen on the red carpet and stage.

$5 Million Red Diamond Sets World Auction Record

A heart-shaped fancy red diamond ring by Moussaieff set a world auction record Christie’s in Hong Kong on November 25. The 2.09-carat ring sold for $5,095,872 ($2.44 million per carat) to a private Asian investor.

Other highlights from the sale include a 10.1-carat cushion cut Burmese ruby and diamond brooch by Cartier ($8.4 million); a pair of jadeite cabochon earring studs measuring 26 mm each ($6.7 million); and a 3.39-carat oval vivid blue diamond ring ($5.8 million).

Classic lockets gaining popularity in a modern world

According to a Wall Street Journal article, jewelry lockets are experiencing a renaissance in popularity, along with amulets and box rings. Some say that “sentimental” jewelry with secret compartments where you can keep a picture or other memento private is a welcome throwback in response to a very public, tell-all social media world.

Sentimental jewelry first came in vogue during the Victorian era, and was an important part of a widow’s mourning ritual. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the current exhibition called “Death Becomes Her” showcases the intricate lockets and mementos that a widow wore following the death of her spouse. Elaborate lockets in jet black and gold were engraved and set with precious stones and contained arrangements of plaited hair, fabric remnants, tiny photographs or illustrations.

Prospectors reality TV show returns for third season

JCLK Marketplace.com has reported that Prospectors, the reality show that follows the adventures of miners searching for gems in the Colorado Mountains, returned for its third season on Dec. 7. The show, which airs on the Weather Channel, is one of the network’s most popular, according to the network.

The show’s prospecting subjects often dig up gems including aquamarine, topaz, and quartz. In one episode, a family unearthed three specimens of amazonite, potentially worth $320,000. In the third season, the show’s focus will be more on the gems being discovered, and the jewelry made with them.